The presiding officer shall control the course of hearings, administer oaths, order subpoenas issued, receive evidence, hold appropriate conferences before or during hearings, rule on all objections or motions that do not involve final determination of proceedings, receive offers of proof, hear argument, and fix the time for filing of briefs.  The presiding officer may take such other action as may be necessary and appropriate to the discharge of his or her duties, consistent with the statutory or other authorities under which the commission functions and with the commission's rules and policies.